Children who daydream are misdiagnosed with ADHD

22nd April 2014

Some may describe the behaviour of children who daydream as 'naughty' and others would blame the quality of the teaching. Some scientists have even extended the meaning of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) to apply to those who cannot concentrate.

Now a group of researchers believe that millions of "daydreamers" are suffering with sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT).

This title has been given to children who struggle to listen to teachers or struggle to focus on their schoolwork.

Although it is not officially recognised, Dr Russel Barkley, a leading proponent of the SCT theory, calls it "the second attention disorder".

He says that more than a third of those diagnosed with the "inattentive subtype of ADHD are, in fact, suffering from SCT".

The term has been criticised as over the top. There have also been comments highlighting the relationship between the researchers and Eli Lilly, a company that is trialling drugs that might treat it.